Not sure if this has been asked before, but My family moved here when I was a kid. Rent is about $2,867/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $134,744 in Larkspur. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Has anyone dealt with this?
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Lauren G.
great question, following
37 upvotes
Everly Brooks
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Boston it's pretty good.
34 upvotes
Peyton C.
spot on
33 upvotes
Julia Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 54, moved here 15 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in South and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Atlanta, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
33 upvotes
Harper Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 58, moved here 13 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in South and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
31 upvotes
Emma Cruz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Sebastian Adams
I work in government here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Theodore Parker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 11 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Adrian Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
10 upvotes
Alexa J.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The cost of living is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Aubrey Cox
Saving this thread
7 upvotes
Riley Morgan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in education. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Asian.
All Countries
